When you ask someone what they ate over the last 2 days, they will tell you what they had for each of the 3 formal meals.

They will not mention the automatic eating or mindless munching that takes place outwith a formal meal. But this is the stuff that piles on the weight for most of us.

We only have a limited amount of willpower. Use it to limit your access to the foods eaten outside of mealtimes. This trend to constant munching is pretty new and it is driven by advertising.  I remember a sweet advertised as one "you can eat between meals without spoiling your appetite". And another "finger of fun" that was "just enough until it's time to eat" - what were they doing with that finger of fun unless they were eating it, eh?

Now we are encouraged to eat as a displacement activity, when there is nothing else to do, to overcome boredom. In the past we might have had hobbies, or spent time with our friends going to the pictures or for a walk. Now we go and eat. Or we invite our friends over and stuff ourselves with chocolate and marshmallows, or crisps and popcorn.

What are your outside of mealtimes eating habits? Recognising them will help you give them up so you can manage your weight. And hypnosis will help too.